Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Electroplating is a process that uses electrical current to deposit a thin layer of metal onto the surface of another material. It is commonly used for improving corrosion resistance, enhancing appearance, and reducing friction.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Electroplating involves an electrolyte solution containing metal ions that are reduced and deposited on the cathode.
The object to be plated serves as the cathode, and a bar of the plating metal serves as the anode.
Reduction reactions occur at the cathode, while oxidation reactions occur at the anode during electroplating.
Faraday's laws of electrolysis can be used to calculate the amount of substance deposited during electroplating.
Common metals used in electroplating include gold, silver, nickel, copper, and chromium.